News

LORRY LEVY WILL CUT M20 JAMS

Kent County Council's new leader is racing to introduce a levy o­n all HGV ferry and shuttle crossings into Dover and the Channel Tunnel.

Paul Carter told members at today's Cabinet meeting (24 October) that with more than three million lorries crossing the Channel annually, even a relatively small levy could yield a significant amount to solve the problems currently caused by Operation Stack.

It would increase also help funding for Kent's road network and would reimburse the Police whenever port or tunnel traffic causes disruption.

The council is urging the Government for a fast decision o­n a Quick Moveable Barrier supported by lorry parks to keep traffic moving when Operation Stack is deployed. Cabinet Members heard today that Operation Stack has already been deployed 17 times this year and that there is a 550 space shortfall in overnight lorry parking which will increase as cross-Channel flows continue to increase.

Mr Carter said: "We support a twin-track approach. A Quick Moveable Barrier has the potential to significantly reduce the chaos Operation Stack is causing o­n the A20 but will have to be backed up by sufficient facilities for overnight lorry parking.

"The Government's recent decision to drop the Lorry User Charging Scheme - scheduled for 2008 - was a great blow for Kent. I shall be pressing Government and the Highways Agency to impose a levy o­n ferry and shuttle tickets for HGVs to fund all the revenue costs involved with Operation Stack, the operation of the Quick Moveable Barrier, lorry park or parks and increase funding both for Kent roads and Police."

More work needs to be done by the Highways Agency o­n how quickly the barrier could be put in place and if gantry signing could be used to improve flows and reduce police manpower.

All possible alternatives to lorry parks in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty must first be examined.

Members agreed to press the Highways Agency to publish its commissioned reports o­n Operation Stack and the Quick Moveable Barrier as soon as possible and that the use of more sensitive surfaces be explored to reduce the visual impact of lorry parks.